New! The MBC Old-time Fiddle Track: We now offer a full program in old-time (Appalachian) fiddle, with one option during each class session. Full-time fiddle players can now study their instrument throughout, while those banjoists who also play fiddle can enrich their experience by taking an occasional fiddle class. Over the course of Camp, we will offer eight classes in old-time fiddle. This year our principle instructor in old-time fiddle is Alan Jabbour. Note: Fiddle students may take classes in both the old-time and bluegrass programs (see below).
New! The MBC Bluegrass Fiddle Track: For the first time, MBC offers a full program in bluegrass fiddle, with one option in bluegrass fiddle during each class session. Full-time fiddle players can now study their instrument throughout, while those banjoists who also play fiddle can enrich their experience by taking an occasional fiddle class. Over the course of Camp, eight classes in bluegrass fiddle. This year our principle instructor in bluegrass fiddle is Byron Berline. Note: Fiddle students may take classes in both the old-time and bluegrass programs (see above).
The MBC Guitar Track. MBC offers a full program in guitar, with one option during each class session. You can study guitar full or part time. This year our principal guitar instructor is David Grier. Additional classes will be offered by Dave Para. See the instructors page for bios.
The MBC Bass Track: MBC offers a full program in bass with one option during each class session. You can study bass full or part time. This year we have two instructors in the bass track - Tom T. Ball and Frank Youngman. See the instructors page for bios.
The Special Events Track: This is our "miscellaneous" column. Here's where you'll find classes in instruments not already listed above, set-up and repair, and other special subjects. In addition, old-time and bluegrass jams sometimes appear as class options.
Note: All students at MBC are free to take any class at any time. You can move among levels, move freely between old-time and bluegrass, take classes in different instruments, and generally create a program that works best for you.
Jamming: Needless to say, enabling a successful jam when the available crew is made up only of banjoists presents a special challenge. We rise to the occasion by having Camp accompanists and a number of other guest musicians on hand to assist our jam leaders by playing a variety of other instruments - such as fiddle, guitar, mandolin, bass, etc.
By the way, at MBC we call our guest musicians "musos" (pronounced "mew-zoes"). Ken Perlman picked up this expression in Australia where it's an affectionate nickname for "musician" and it has stuck.
Here's the kind of jam sessions we offer:
- Slow Jams for those who like to jam, so long as we promise to keep the speed way down
- "How to Jam" workshops for those who can play pretty well but just don't know how to play with others. Issues covered in these workshops are jam etiquette, the roles of different instruments, how to find appropriate chords, how to play something effective when you don't know the tune, etc.
- Intermediate Jams: moderate tempos and common tunes.
- Open Jams: pretty much up to speed, but leaders will be instructed to keep tempos under control.
- Specialty Jams: We like to offer jams from time to time that appeal to special interests, so check the schedule for this year's options. Among the jams we may offer are bluegrass vocals, old-time vocals, jazz and swing, and northern & Celtic.
- Jam from a list: Over the years many students have requested a list of tunes that might come up at jam sessions, so they can learn them before Camp. Although it's impossible to predict what songs might come up at jams spontaneously, for 2011 we will schedule one special bluegrass jam and one special old-time jam where teachers guarantee to stick to a predetermined list of about 25 standards. Click here for MBC's list of 25 standard bluegrass jamming tunes. Click here for MBC's list of 25 standard old-time jamming tunes. These special jams will take place on Saturday evening, and are entitled "Jam From a List" on the schedule.
Or, organize your own jams -- there's plenty of available spaces -- either during the scheduled jams, immediately afterwards or at any other suitable time. And if there are musos around when you get started there's a good chance you can get them to join in.
Concerts: The faculty concert is split into two parts; half the staff plays on Friday evening and the other half plays on Saturday evening. Given that our staff contains a hefty percentage of the best banjo pickers in creation, these concerts come pretty close to achieving banjo heaven. Here's how some of our students have described our staff concerts: "The best banjo concerts in the world", "As good as any bluegrass festival", "None better! What a ride!" And finally, "Either half of the faculty concert was worth it coming to camp alone. But both!"
Office Hour Here is a new program we're trying out for the first time this year. Just after lunch on Sunday we'll assign each faculty member to a room and offer students the opportunity to go around and field questions to the instructors of their choice. Among topics that might come up are clarification of points discussed in class, requests to hear a tune one more time, explanations of how particular licks are played, and so on.
The Pre-camp The Pre-camp is a low pressure way to ease into your weekend of intense banjo-immersion. On Thursday evening June 3 and Friday morning June 4, our instructors will host jam sessions, offer demonstrations, and generally be available for mingling with students. The "Pre-Camp Program" is optional for both students and staff. However, most of our staff and well-over half our students generally participate.
There is a small extra tuition charge for MBC students who wish to take part in pre-camp events; there is also a charge for lodging at the Olivet dorms on Thursday night, and for signing on to an Olivet meal plan that covers meals from Thursday dinner through Friday lunch.
Check out the MBC 2011 Pre-camp Schedule.
On Friday morning June 4, MBC will run a special two-hour class for people who want to get started on banjo (or for those who have already gotten started and figure they need a quick review before diving into our novice program). The class covers the following topics: getting acquainted with the instrument, holding it, getting in tune, how to finger the strings and play a few basic chords, how to keep time by simple strumming, etc. For those who are undecided about which banjo path to pursue, our instructor will also demonstrate both bluegrass and old time styles on the banjo and explain some of the pluses and minuses about trying to learn each genre.
"Introducing the Banjo" is open to all MBC Registrants. You do NOT have to register for the Pre-Camp in order to take this course.
Use of Recording Devices at MBC
Many of our instructors prefer to teach by ear and example rather than by tab or other notation. Consequently, we encourage students to bring along compact recording devices, so that recordings made in class will be available after camp to serve as memory aids. As a courtesy, however, please ask each instructor at the start of class whether he or she permits the use of such recording devices.
For more information, see the Accommodations and Fees page.
Read the March 26, 2005 article on The Midwest Banjo Camp from WCFCourier.com.
